She has made the country proud after her recent doubles victory with Jwala Gutta
Ashwini Ponnappa
Winning the Canada Open Women’s Doubles title and bagging some pretty pennies may have put the spotlight on Bengaluru girl Ashwini Ponnappa and her partner Jwala Gutta, but it’s the first of many that the duo has set their sights upon this Olympic year. Back in the city to unwind, the fleet-footed badminton star talks about her big win.
After her last reunion win with Jwala at the London Olympics, this victory comes as the cherry on top. “It feels great because it’s been awhile since we won a tournament. With the Olympics around the corner, every single win this year will will give us a boost of confidence,” says Ashwini. Aside of the hundreds of flattering messages from fans, it was several wishes from the Prime Minister and President of the country, their cabinet of ministers and celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan that overwhelmed her.
Participating in colony games as a kid, this alumni of St Francis Xavier’s Girl’s High School and Mount Carmel College in Bengaluru, was always racing towards a sporty career. “Although my dad was a state level hockey player, I was always into badminton and athletics,” shares the 25-year-old.
With a dazzling streak of four medals last year, out of which three were first time wins, Ashwini is in the purple patch of her career, “Depending on the support system I have, serves as a huge motivator on court,” she says about her family, friends and ever-encouraging fans. “The World Championships next month and the BWF World Superseries is up next and we’re looking to ace it,” she adds, hoping to step into unchartered territories – bagging a silver or a gold at the world championships and subsequently, one at the Olympics.
Talking about the losses she was served on court just as much as her wins, Ashwini has always been a beacon of true sportsmanship. “It’s good if you win. If you lose, it’s disappointing yes, but you learn from it and look forward to doing even better the next time around. But that’s how it’s always been – you don’t end up thinking about it, but you end up being,” she smiles.
But when she’s not creating a ‘racket’ with one, she’s one for change. Aside of supporting Redbull’s treatment for spinal cord injury alongside Formula One ace David Coulthard, daredevil Felix Baumgartner, Paris-Dakar champion Marc Coma, and US motorcyclist Ricky Johnson, Ashwini is a champion of animal adoption too. Speaking of change, “That’s what I needed when I cut my hair really short. I’d already cut my hair four times in a month and I decided to not for awhile,” she adds.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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